Congratulations, now the fun begins

Watching the news each night I’ve seen a variety of people who have been invited to give a commencement speech at a college or university around the country.

Some of these folks have politics in their resumes, some are celebrities or rock stars. I think you’ve seen the highlights of their speeches.

I’ve never been asked to give a commencement address because my resume isn’t that exciting and I guess in some ways I’m proud of that.

But for grins and giggles, let me give you an idea of what my commencement address might include. Congratulations to the Class of 2017.

You’ve made it. You look so dapper in your caps and gowns and seeing the looks on your faces, I’m sure you’re wondering how I made it through security! It has been a long time since my graduation and I remember it fondly.

I knew my parents were proud that I was going to walk across the stage to receive my diploma.

Our speaker that night was very moving and was very elegant in his speech and he was positive that we would all find success in whatever endeavor we would pursue. I think it is heartwarming for us to be giddy about the future.

But let’s be reasonable life isn’t kind to everyone and some will struggle more than others. I have seen many that have struggled and faced those challenges head on and those rough times just made them tougher.

I’ve also seen folks that seemed to breeze through life and success after success followed them. They seemed to hold the world in their hands and nothing bad was ever going to happen to them.

Unfortunately, when something bad does happen, they don’t know how to handle the situation.

Failure at some point in time is not a bad thing for anyone to go through. It can prepare a person to realize that bad things can happen to anyone.

I once heard a fourth grade teacher tell her students a couple of years ago that Fail means “First Attempt In Learning”.

I believe that we can learn a lot more from failure than we ever learn from success. But many people, parents in general, hate the idea that their child could fail.

But it happens and most folks will explain away the problem with excuses. Failure happens, it’s how you deal with it that is important.

I’ve failed on numerous occasions but I also failed to give up.

And I believe it is in your best interest to always strive to do your best win or lose, success or failure, but whatever happens never give in or give up.

I think it is important that you thank every teacher and coach that you ever had especially if they reside in your community.

Some of these folks received a paycheck and still had to put up with your excuses and mood changes as well as your good and bad behavior.

There were a few little league and peewee coaches that sacrificed a lot of time in order to try to help kids enjoy a game that they most likely loved very much.

Some of you probably listened and played hard because you had fun playing these games.

I know a few of you played because your best friend was on the team or your parents insisted that playing a sport would build character.

What matters is that you gave it a try, like it or not. Still it is important that you say thank you. I know it would mean a lot to them.

For all of those businesses that you asked for a donation for a school trip or advertisement money or sponsorships or candy purchases take the time to shop at those businesses.

I know you can buy something cheaper in the city at the big box store but the big box store doesn’t donate anything for your organization.

These businesses work hard for their community, help them out as well.

In all of your dealings be honest. It will reflect positively on your parents and they need a pat on the back for raising you. Never lie or cheat and always tell the truth. If you always tell the truth you will never need to change your story.

I want you all to realize one thing, there is no such thing as the perfect job. You are the only one that can make it a great job. Your boss can’t and your coworkers can’t and money can’t. Only you have the power to do that.

Give back. Volunteer, be a mentor, help senior citizens that need help. Don’t take advantage of those people because one day you too may need kindness.

What goes around comes around.

So make a difference in your community. Be a Little League umpire or pee-wee referee or coach, it’ll test your patience.

Like every generation I’m sure you’ve heard that yours is a mess and will be a problem for years to come. Don’t let that bother you, every generation has heard that and we’re still succeeding and doing good things. Sure there are a few bad eggs but there are far more good people than bad and that will always be the case.

To the Class of 2017, congratulations the future is yours but you will need to work hard to earn it.

The fun will begin soon and we will need good leaders to get us through and I know there are some real leaders here today! Good Luck!